U.S. patent application number 11/174778 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for workroom storage system.
Invention is credited to Arent, Thomas Wesley, Junge, Brent A., Perkins, Travis Michael, Rasche, Kenneth J., Sampson, Tyree Edward, Schmidt, Duane A., Starr, Todd Christopher, Stewart, Brian J., Stout, Mark Allen, Tolliver, Steven Edward.
Application Number | 20050242690 11/174778 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32654844 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050242690 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perkins, Travis Michael ; et
al. |
November 3, 2005 |
Workroom storage system
Abstract
A space-efficient workroom organization system comprising a
slotwall panel with at least one repositionable slotwall-mounted
storage cabinet, and a workbench system comprising a workbench
having a work surface and defining a storage recess beneath the
work surface, with at least one mobile storage cabinet.
Inventors: |
Perkins, Travis Michael;
(Evansville, IN) ; Arent, Thomas Wesley; (St.
Joseph, MI) ; Starr, Todd Christopher; (St. Joseph,
MI) ; Sampson, Tyree Edward; (Gahanna, OH) ;
Rasche, Kenneth J.; (Evansville, IN) ; Tolliver,
Steven Edward; (Newburgh, IN) ; Junge, Brent A.;
(Evansville, IN) ; Schmidt, Duane A.; (Newburgh,
IN) ; Stewart, Brian J.; (Vincennes, IN) ;
Stout, Mark Allen; (Evansville, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHIRLPOOL PATENTS COMPANY
MD 0750
Suite 102
500 Renaissance Drive
St. Joseph
MI
49085
US
|
Family ID: |
32654844 |
Appl. No.: |
11/174778 |
Filed: |
July 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11174778 |
Jul 5, 2005 |
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10462461 |
Jun 16, 2003 |
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6926160 |
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10462461 |
Jun 16, 2003 |
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10331826 |
Dec 30, 2002 |
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6811043 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/249.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/028 20130101;
A47B 83/001 20130101; B25H 3/04 20130101; A47B 95/008 20130101;
A47F 5/0018 20130101; B25H 1/02 20130101; B25H 3/00 20130101; A47F
5/0846 20130101; A47B 31/00 20130101; A47B 21/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/249.9 |
International
Class: |
A47B 097/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A workroom organization system for providing a space-efficient,
organized storage for workroom items, such as tools and supplies
used in a workroom, comprising: at least one slotwall panel for
mounting to a wall of the workroom, and having multiple slots for
receiving mounting brackets to mount the workroom items to the
wall; at least one wall-mounted storage cabinet with a mounting
bracket having a portion for receipt in the slots for removably
mounting the at least one wall-mounted storage cabinet to the
slotwall panel; a workbench comprising a work surface and multiple
legs extending from the work surface to support the work surface
above a floor and defining a workbench recess beneath the work
surface; and at least one mobile storage cabinet having a top
surface located at a height such that the at least one mobile
storage cabinet can be received within the workbench recess with
the top surface underlying the work surface and having wheels
extending from the mobile storage cabinet to support the mobile
storage cabinet on the floor to ease the movement of the mobile
storage cabinet into and out of the workbench recess; wherein the
workroom organization system enables a user to mount workroom items
on the slotwall panel and arrange the at least one wall-mounted
storage cabinet, workbench and at least one mobile storage cabinet
within the workroom in a manner most space-efficient for a
particular workroom while permitting the easy relocation of the
workroom items and rearrangement of the at least one wall-mounted
storage cabinet, workbench, and at least one mobile storage cabinet
as needed over time as the quantity and mix of workroom items
changes.
2. The workroom organization system according to claim 1, wherein
the at least one wall-mounted storage cabinet comprises a rear wall
and the mounting bracket is mounted to the rear wall.
3. The workroom organization system according to claim 2, wherein
the at least one wall-mounted storage cabinet further comprises a
peripheral wall extending from the rear wall and defining an open
face, and at least one door moveably mounted to the at least one
wall-mounted cabinet for movement between a closed position, where
the open face is at least partially closed, and an opened position,
where the door is away from the open face.
4. The workroom organization system according to claim 3, wherein
the at least one wall-mounted storage cabinet comprises two
opposing doors, each moveable between a closed position and an
opened position, wherein the opposing doors cover the open face in
the closed position and are spaced away from the open face in the
opened position to permit access to the interior of the
wall-mounted storage cabinet.
5. The workroom organization system according to claim 1, wherein
the at least one mobile storage cabinet comprises one of: a general
storage cabinet comprising an open-face cabinet defining a storage
recess and at least one door moveable between an opened position
and a closed position for selectively closing the open face; a
drawer storage cabinet comprising an open-faced cabinet defining a
storage recess and at least one drawer slidably mounted to the
open-faced cabinet for movement through the open face between a
stored position, where the drawer is received within the storage
recess, and a use position, where at least a portion of the drawer
extends beyond the open face to permit access to the drawer; and a
refrigerated cabinet having a refrigeration system for cooling the
interior of the refrigerated cabinet.
6. The workroom organization system according to claim 5, wherein
the drawer storage cabinet comprises multiple drawers.
7. The workroom organization system according to claim 5, and
further comprising multiple mobile storage cabinets.
8. The workroom organization system according to claim 7, wherein
the multiple mobile storage cabinets comprise at least one each of
the general storage cabinet and the drawer storage cabinet.
9. The workroom organization system according to claims 1 and 8,
wherein at least one of the work surface and the top surface are
made from wood.
10. The workroom organization system according to claim 9, wherein
the wood comprises multiple parallel strips of wood.
11. The workroom organization system according to claim 9, wherein
the wood is maple.
12. The workroom organization system according to claim 1, wherein
the workbench further comprises a stringer connecting the multiple
legs of the workbench.
13. The workroom organization system according to claim 12, wherein
the stringer is located toward a rear edge of the work surface to
increase the volume of the workbench recess.
14. The workroom organization system according to claim 12, wherein
the multiple legs comprise a pair of front legs and a pair of rear
legs, and the stringer extends between the rear legs.
15. The workroom organization system according to claim 14, and
further comprising a cross member connecting both the front and
rear leg for each pair of legs.
16. The workroom organization system according to claim 1, wherein
at least some of the wheels of the at least one mobile storage
cabinet are caster wheels.
17. The workroom organization system according to claim 16, wherein
the wheels of the at least one mobile storage cabinet comprise a
pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, with at least one
of the wheel pairs being caster wheels.
18. The workroom organization system according to claim 1, wherein
the workbench further comprises a power strip having multiple
electrical power outlets.
19. The workroom organization system according to claim 18, wherein
the power strip is located at a rear edge of the work surface.
20. The workroom organization system according to claim 19, wherein
the multiple slots of the slotwall panel have a T-shaped cross
section.
21. The workroom organization system according to claim 1, wherein
when the at least one mobile storage cabinet is removed from a
stored position within the workbench recess, the top surface of the
at least one mobile storage cabinet becomes an auxiliary work
surface.
22. The workroom organization system according to claim 1, wherein
the at least one mobile storage cabinet comprises a bumper to
protect the at least one mobile storage cabinet from contact with
other objects.
23. The workroom organization system according to claim 22, wherein
the bumper circumscribes the at least one mobile storage
cabinet.
24. The workroom organization system according to claim 23, wherein
the multiple legs of the workbench further comprise
height-adjustable feet to permit the leveling of the work
surface.
25. The workroom organization system according to claim 24, wherein
the height-adjustable feet comprise a foot plate and a threaded
stud extending from the foot plate, and the corresponding leg has a
threaded opening complementary to the threaded stud, such that the
rotation of the foot will move the foot relative to the leg to
adjust the height of the work surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of and claims the benefit of
non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/462,461, filed Jun. 16,
2003 which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of
non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/331,826, filed on Dec. 30,
2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,043. This application is related to
and and claims the benefit of non-provisional application Ser. No.
10/760,168, filed Jan. 16, 2004 which is a continuation in part of
and claims the benefit of non-provisional application Ser. No.
10/462,461, filed on Jun. 16, 2003 which is a continuation of and
claims the benefit of non-provisional application Ser. No.
10/331,826, filed on Dec. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,043.
This application is related to non-provisional application Ser. No.
10/334,078, filed Dec. 30, 2002; application Ser. No. 10/937,142
filed Sep. 9, 2004; application Ser. No. 11/048,431, filed Feb. 1,
2005; application Ser. No. 11/048,435, filed Feb. 1, 2005; and
application Ser. No. 11/048,201, filed Feb. 1, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Generally, the invention relates to a workroom storage
system for organizing the tools and supplies found in workrooms,
especially garages. More specifically, the invention relates to a
space-efficient workroom storage system providing both wall mounted
storage and cabinet storage, with a combination of slotwall panels,
cabinets removably mounted to the slotwall panel, and a workbench
in combination with mobile storage cabinets that are stowable
beneath the workbench.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] There has long been a need for organized storage in
workrooms, whether the workroom is a dedicated workshop, a garage,
or any other room, since workrooms by their very nature tend to
house many types of tools and equipment, along with general
supplies and supplies for the tools and equipment. Past solutions
to providing organized storage in workrooms were based on the
operator selecting unrelated organization systems and combining
them as operator saw fit, without an integrated system. The
organization systems often reflected a hodgepodge of non-integrated
solutions, such as fixed wall cabinets, pegboards, and work benches
with internal storage, which collectively did not provide a
space-efficient solution. That is, the resulting combination of
components comprising the operator-selected organization system,
often consumed more space in the workroom than what was necessary,
which limited the amount of storage and/or work area in the
workroom. Therefore, there is still a need for a space-efficient,
integrated workroom organization system that helps the operator
maximize both the storage of tools and supplies and the useful area
of the workroom.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention provides a unique solution to the need for
space-efficient, organized storage for a workroom via a workroom
organization system comprising at least one slotwall panel in
combination with a wall-mounted cabinet and floor supported
workbench with at least one nesting mobile storage cabinet. The
slotwall panel has multiple slots for receiving mounting brackets
to mount the workroom items to the wall. At least one wall-mounted
storage cabinet is provided and includes mounting brackets for
removably mounting the at least one wall-mounted storage cabinet to
the slots of the slotwall panel. The workbench comprises a work
surface and multiple legs extending from the work surface to
support the work surface above a floor and define a workbench
recess beneath the work surface. The mobile storage cabinet has a
top surface located at a height such that the at least one mobile
storage cabinet can be received within the workbench recess with
the top surface underlying the work surface. Wheels extend from the
mobile storage cabinet to support the mobile storage cabinet on the
floor to ease the movement of the mobile storage cabinet into and
out of the workbench recess.
[0007] The workroom organization system enables a user to mount
workroom items on the slotwall panel and arrange the at least one
wall-mounted storage cabinet, workbench and at least one mobile
storage cabinet within the workroom in a manner most
space-efficient for a particular workroom. The system also enables
the easy relocation of the workroom items and rearrangement of the
wall-mounted storage cabinet, workbench, and mobile storage cabinet
as needed over time as the quantity and mix of workroom items
changes. Thus, the operator is provided with a space-efficient and
flexible storage system.
[0008] The mobile storage cabinet has many different
configurations. It can comprise a general storage cabinet, a drawer
storage cabinet, or a refrigerated cabinet, for example. The system
can accommodate multiple mobile storage cabinets positioned within
the workbench recess and which can be of any mix of the exemplary
mobile storage cabinets. The top surface of the mobile storage
cabinet becomes an auxiliary work surface when the mobile storage
cabinet is removed from the workbench storage recess.
[0009] Either or both of the work surface and the top surface can
be made from wood. The wood can comprise multiple parallel strips
of wood. A preferred wood is maple.
[0010] The workbench can further comprise a stringer connecting the
multiple legs of the workbench to stiffen the support of the work
surface. The stringer is preferably located toward a rear edge of
the work surface to increase the volume of the workbench
recess.
[0011] The multiple legs can be arranged in pairs, with each pair
having a front leg and a rear leg, with the stringer extending
between the rear legs. A cross member connecting both the front and
rear leg for each pair of legs can be provided for additional
stiffening.
[0012] The wheels supporting the mobile storage cabinet can include
caster wheels to ease the storage and withdrawal of the mobile
storage cabinet from the workbench recess.
[0013] The workbench can further comprise a power strip having
multiple electrical power outlets. Preferably, the power strip is
located at a rear edge of the work surface.
[0014] Height-adjustable feet can be added to the legs to permit
the leveling of the work surface. The height-adjustable feet can
comprise a foot plate and a threaded stud extending from the foot
plate, and the corresponding leg has a threaded opening
complementary to the threaded stud, such that the rotation of the
foot will move the foot relative to the leg to adjust the height of
the work surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the slotwall storage
system suitable for use in a space-efficient workroom storage
system according to the invention, and illustrating a mounting
device and hanger bracket mounted on a slotwall panel.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
slotwall panel with a hanger bracket mounted on the slotwall panel
in an unloaded position.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
slotwall panel with a hanger bracket mounted on the slotwall panel
in a loaded position.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an end view of a slotwall panel showing the
spacing of the generally "T" shaped slots.
[0020] FIG. 4A is an enlarged end view of a portion of a slotwall
panel showing the configuration of a generally "T" shaped slot.
[0021] FIG. 4B is an enlarged end view of a portion of a slotwall
panel showing the configuration of a connecting rib on the edge of
a slotwall panel.
[0022] FIG. 4C is an enlarged end view of a portion of a slotwall
panel showing the configuration of a connecting groove on the edge
of a slotwall panel.
[0023] FIG. 4D is an enlarged end view of a portion of a slotwall
panel showing the location of a connecting rib on the edge of a
slotwall panel.
[0024] FIG. 4E is an enlarged end view of a portion of a slotwall
panel showing the location of a connecting groove on the edge of a
slotwall panel.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an end view of a hanger bracket showing the
configuration of the generally "J" shaped hooks.
[0026] FIG. 6A is a top view of a hanger bracket showing the
configuration of the spring arm and the generally "J" shaped hook
adjacent the spring arm.
[0027] FIG. 6B is an end view of an enlarged end view of a portion
of a hanger bracket showing the spring arm configuration.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a partial front perspective view of a cabinet
having plural cabinet brackets mounted on a slotwall panel.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cabinet bracket showing
two generally "J" shaped hooks and the configuration of the cabinet
bracket.
[0030] FIG. 8A is a partial front view of a cabinet bracket showing
mounting holes.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of an unloaded cabinet
bracket mounted on a slotwall panel.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a loaded cabinet bracket
mounted on a slotwall panel.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a partial rear perspective view showing a cabinet
bracket mounted on a cabinet.
[0034] FIG. 11A is an end view showing a wall cabinet mounted on a
slotwall panel.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of a cabinet showing
mounting holes for cabinet brackets.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a multiple hook device
mounted on a slotwall panel wall with plural hanger brackets and
examples of tools carried on a multiple hook device.
[0037] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a shelf mounted on
a slotwall panel with a cabinet bracket.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a front view of another embodiment of slotwall
panel having ruler markings in the generally "T" shaped slots.
[0039] FIG. 16 is a front view of another embodiment of a slotwall
panel having a different arrangement of ruler markings in the
generally "T" shaped slots.
[0040] FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
of a slotwall panel.
[0041] FIG. 18 is a partial end view of another embodiment of a
slotwall panel having the connecting rib and connecting groove in a
different position on the edge of the slotwall panel.
[0042] FIG. 18A is a partial end view of another embodiment of a
slotwall panel having the connecting rib and connecting groove in a
different position on the edge of the slotwall panel.
[0043] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the modular workbench
system providing space-efficient storage and work surface for the
workroom organization system of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the modular workbench
system with one module moved out from under the workbench and
positioned as an auxiliary work surface.
[0045] FIG. 21 is an exploded rear perspective view of the modular
workbench.
[0046] FIG. 22 is a schematic rear perspective view showing a power
strip mounted on the modular workbench top.
[0047] FIG. 22A is a schematic front view of the power strip.
[0048] FIG. 22B is a schematic perspective view of a T-bracket for
mounting a power strip to a modular workbench top.
[0049] FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view of a workbench leg
showing the leveling mechanism.
[0050] FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of a drawer module.
[0051] FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a drawer module
without the optional wood work surface.
[0052] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a cabinet module.
[0053] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator
module.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] In accordance with the present invention, a slotwall storage
system incorporating a slotwall panel 10 having a plurality of
generally "T" shaped slots 11 forming a plurality of generally "T"
shaped slats 12 is provided with a hanger bracket for mounting a
device on the slotwall panel. The slotwall panel can be formed of
extruded polyvinyl chloride material. Co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/747,421, discloses one such material, which
patent application is incorporated by reference. The slotwall
storage system according to the present invention can be used in a
residential garage to provide storage for outdoor tools and
equipment. A variety of storage options can be provided as will be
described below. The slotwall storage system can also be used in a
workroom or workshop, or in commercial and industrial locations.
The slotwall storage system can be used in conjunction with a
Modular Workbench System as disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/334,078, which application is incorporated
by reference, and the disclosure of which is copied into this
application as FIGS. 19-27 and the corresponding description. The
workroom storage system can be used in conjunction with the
Workroom Storage System disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/760,168, which application is incorporated
by reference.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, two slotwall panels 10 mounted adjacent
one another are shown. It should be understood that the slotwall
panels 10 shown in FIG. 1 are only a portion of such panels that
can extend longitudinally for any desired length. Typically,
slotwall panels can be extruded in 8 feet long lengths to
facilitate handling and installation. However, it should be
understood that panels longer or shorter that 8 feet can fabricated
and used. Further, a single panel can be used or an entire wall can
be covered with panels as shown in FIG. 13. One embodiment of a
hanger bracket 20 is shown mounted on one of the panels 10 and is
shown with one example of a hook device 40 attached to the hanger
bracket 20. Other well known and available hooks and hanging
devices can be attached to one or more hanger brackets 20 as will
be understood by one skilled in the art. While a few examples of
types of hook and other storage devices that can be attached to one
or more hanger brackets are disclosed in this application, one
skilled in the art will understand that there are many available
hooks and storage devices available on the market that could be
used with the brackets and slotwall panels according to this
invention.
[0056] Mounting of hanger bracket 20 to a slotwall panel 10 can be
understood by referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3,
a device 40 has been omitted from hanger bracket 20 to more clearly
show hanger bracket 20 on the slotwall panel 10. Those skilled in
the art will understand that in use a hook device or other storage
device would be attached to hanger bracket 20. Hanger bracket 20
includes a central support portion 21, a generally "J" shaped hook
22 extending from one edge of support portion 21, and a generally
"J" shaped hook 23 extending from an opposite edge of support
portion 21. Generally "J" shaped hook 22 includes a first leg 24
extending generally perpendicular from the edge of support portion
21 and a second leg 25 extending from the distal end of first leg
24 generally parallel to support portion 21. Generally "J" shaped
hook 23 has a first leg 26 extending generally perpendicular from
the edge of support portion 21 and a second leg 27 extending from
the distal end of first leg 26 generally parallel to support
portion 21 in the same direction as leg 25. Thus, hanger bracket 20
has two downward opening "J" shaped hooks on opposite edges of
support portion 21. Hanger bracket 20 also has a spring arm 28
extending from the edge of support portion 21 that divides
generally "J" shaped hook 22 into two portions. Spring arm 28
extends in an opposite direction from leg 25. Referring to FIG. 2
and FIG. 3, generally "J" shaped hook 22 hooks over an edge 13 of a
generally "T" shaped slat 12. Generally "J" shaped hook 23 hooks
behind the lower adjacent half slat 16 in undercut 14. Spring arm
28 is positioned behind the upper adjacent slat 12 in undercut
14.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, leg 27 bears against the underside of
the lower adjacent half slat 16 in undercut 14 biased against the
underside of the slat by the spring arm 28. The force of spring arm
28 holds support portion 21 out of contact with the face of slat
12. Thus, hanger bracket 20 transfers the load on a device 40
through hanger bracket 20 to slotwall panel 10 by contact of leg 24
on edge 13 of slat 12, the contact of leg 25 against the inside
edge of slat 12 and the force of spring arm 28 against the inside
of the upper adjacent slat 12 in undercut 14. Leg 26 of "J" shaped
hook 23 does not normally contact edge 13 of lower adjacent slat
12. Referring to FIG. 3, when a load is placed on device 40 that
generates a moment sufficient to overcome the bias of spring arm
28, hanger bracket 20 pivots on "J" shaped hook 22 so that leg 27
engages the bottom wall 15 of "T" shaped slot 11. When hanger
bracket 20 is loaded, hanger bracket 20 transfers the load on a
device 40 through hanger bracket 20 to slotwall panel 10 by contact
of leg 24 on edge 13 of slat 12, the contact of leg 25 against the
inside edge of slat 12, the force of spring arm 28 against the
inside of upper adjacent slat 12 in undercut 14 and by contact of
leg 27 against bottom wall 15 of generally "T" shaped slot 11. The
length of leg 26 holds hanger bracket 20 spaced from the face of
slat 12 when hanger bracket 20 is loaded by items carried on device
40 so that leg 27 rests against the bottom wall 15 of slot 11. In
the event hanger bracket 20 is overloaded by items placed on device
40, the pressure on leg 24 may be sufficient to deform the edge 13
of slat 12 allowing hanger bracket 20 to move down until leg 26
engages edge 13 of lower adjacent slat 12. In an overload
condition, the load is spread over two adjacent slats 12 by
generally "J" shaped hooks 22 and 23 in addition to the load spread
by spring arm 28 to upper adjacent slat 12 and leg 27 to the bottom
wall 15. Thus, hanger bracket 20 is locked in position on slotwall
panel 10 by friction due to spring arm 28 whether loaded or
unloaded. Accordingly, hanger bracket 20 and its attached device,
whether loaded or unloaded, can not inadvertently be knocked off or
dislodged from a slotwall panel 10.
[0058] Hanger bracket 20, together with any attached device such as
device 40, can be mounted to a slotwall panel 10 by inserting
spring arm 28 into the undercut 14 in a slot 11 far enough under
the upper adjacent slat 12 for leg 25 to clear edge 13 of slat 12.
Hanger bracket 20 can then be pivoted down against the moment of
spring arm 28 until leg 27 clears the lower adjacent slat edge 13.
Hanger bracket 20 can then be slid down over slat 12 until leg 25
rests on edge 13 with leg 27 bearing against the underside of the
lower adjacent slat 12 in undercut 14. As mentioned above, hanger
bracket 20 will be held in place by friction resulting from the
moment of spring arm 28 bearing against the inside surface of the
upper adjacent slat 12.
[0059] Turning to FIG. 4, a slotwall panel 10 can include four
generally "T" shaped slots 11 that form three generally "T" shaped
slats 12 and two half slats 16, one on each edge of panel 10. One
edge of slotwall panel 10 can include a projecting connecting rib
17 and the other edge can include a mating connecting groove 18. As
shown in FIG. 1, rib 17 and connecting groove 18 connect adjacent
panels and, when so joined, the half width slats 16 of the adjacent
panels form a full width slat.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the bottom wall 15 of the
generally "T" shaped slots 11 includes a longitudinal alignment
groove 19 in the center of bottom wall 15. Alignment groove 19 can
facilitate mounting of slotwall panels on a wall. Alignment groove
19 can provide a locating function to allow screws or other
mounting devices to be aligned along slotwall panel sections. In a
wall installation, screws 29 (see FIG. 13) can be driven through
the slotwall panel along groove 19 into studs supporting the wall
to mount the slotwall panel or panels to the wall as is well known
to those skilled in the art. Mounting of plural slotwall panels is
facilitated by connecting rib 17 and connecting groove 18 since
another slotwall panel can be placed on a slotwall panel already
attached to a wall and the slotwall panel will remain in place
until fastened to the wall by screws or other suitable fasteners.
Normally slotwall panels 10 can be mounted to a wall with
connecting rib 17 directed up and connecting groove 18 directed
down over rib 17 of an adjacent panel 10 if an adjacent panel is
already mounted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
slotwall panels 10 can be mounted to a wall in the opposite
direction if so desired, i.e. with rib 17 directed down and
connecting groove 18 directed up. Applicants have found that
locating the joint between adjacent slotwall panels in the center
of a slat provides a stronger slotwall structure since torsional
loads are minimal in the center of a slat as compared to joint
locations in a slot or at an edge of a slat.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 4 through FIG. 4E, the dimensions of one
embodiment of a slotwall panel 10 can be as provided in the
following table. It should be understood that the following
dimensions are approximate and that slotwall panels having
different dimensions can be provided in accordance with the
invention as desired.
1 Description Reference Dimension (mm) Width of slotwall panel 10 w
305 Center to center of "T" shaped slots 11 a 76.2 Width of "T"
shaped slot opening b 17 Center of slot to end of undercut 14 c
18.5 Depth of undercut 14 d 5 Thickness of slat 12 e 7 Length of
rib 17 f 5 Depth of groove 18 g 10 Center of slot 11 to edge of
panel 10 h 38.1 Width of rib 17 j 5.75 Width of groove 18 k 6 Rib
17 to face of panel 10 m 9 Groove 18 to face of panel 10 n 9
[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6A, the dimensions of
one embodiment of a hanger bracket 20 adapted for use with a
slotwall panel as shown in FIG. 4 through FIG. 4E can be as
provided in the following table. It will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that the following dimensions are approximate
and that a hanger bracket having different dimensions can be
provided in accordance with the invention as desired for use with
slotwall panels having different dimensions.
2 Dimension Description Reference (mm) Distance from "J" hook 22 to
"J" hook 23 A 75.2 Inside length of leg 24 B 8.5 Inside length of
leg 25 C 6 Outside length of leg 26 D 12.1 Offset of spring arm 28
from face of bracket E 6.6 Distance to top of spring arm 28 from
leg 24 F 19 Overall length of bracket 20 G 99 Overall width of
bracket 20 H 80 Width of spring arm 28 J 26 Width of leg 24 K
26
[0063] Hanger bracket 20 can be formed of metal, such as steel.
When hanger bracket 20 is formed with steel, hanger bracket 20 can
be stamped from sheet steel. When hanger brackets 20 are formed of
steel, raised surfaces or bosses 44, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, can
be stamped in support portion 21 to provide attachment points for
hook devices to be welded to the hanger bracket. After a hook
device is attached to hanger bracket 20, the hanger bracket can be
finished as desired, such as by painting the entire hanger bracket
and hook.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 6B, spring arm 28 can extend up from first
leg 24 at an acute angle of approximately 65.degree.. As also shown
in FIG. 6B the distal end 28' of spring arm 28 can be bent to
extend generally parallel to support portion 21 and leg 25.
Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 through FIG. 4E, FIG. 5
and FIG. 6B the function of spring arm 28 can be seen. The
thickness e of a generally "T" shaped slat can be 7.0 mm and the
offset E of spring arm 28 can be 6.6 mm. When a hanger bracket 20
is installed on a slotwall panel 10 with spring arm 28 positioned
behind an adjacent generally "T" shaped slat in undercut 14 and
generally "J" shaped hook 22 is hooked over an edge 13 of a
generally "T" shaped slat, interference of the distal end of the
spring arm 28 with the inside of the adjacent "T" shaped slat will
tend to rotate hanger bracket 20 away from the face of slotwall
panel 10. When generally "J" shaped hook 22 is hooked over and
engages an edge 13 of a generally "T" shaped slat 12, hook 23 will
be positioned adjacent edge 13 of a lower adjacent generally "T"
shaped slat 12. Leg 27 will be positioned behind the lower adjacent
generally "T" shaped slat 12 in undercut 14. The moment produced by
spring arm 28 pressing against the inside of upper adjacent "T"
shaped slat 12 will drive leg 27 into contact with the inner
surface of lower adjacent generally "T" shaped slat 12 thus
friction locking hanger bracket 20 in place. When a device such as
a hook device 40 is attached to support portion and a load is
placed on the hook device, the downward force on the hook device
will drive hanger bracket 20 toward slotwall panel 10 until leg 27
engages the bottom wall 15 of the generally "T" shaped slot 11. The
length D of leg 27 can be 12.1 mm and can be slightly greater than
the width d of undercut 14 which can be 5.0 mm plus the thickness e
of slat 12 which can be 7.0 mm. Thus, hanger bracket 20 can be held
out of contact with the face of slat 12 over which it is installed,
whether loaded or unloaded. The distance A from the inside of first
leg 24 of "J" shaped hook 22 to the inside of first leg 26 of "J"
shaped hook 23 can be 75.2 mm compared to the center to center
spacing a of slots and slats which can be 76.2 mm. When hanger
bracket 20 is installed on a generally "T" shaped slat 12 with leg
24 of "J" shaped hook 22 engaging an edge 13, leg 26 of "J" shaped
hook 23 will not engage edge 13 of adjacent slat 12. Thus, hanger
bracket 20 can pivot between the position shown in FIG. 2 to the
position shown in FIG. 3 as a load is applied to hanger bracket 20
by an attached hook device such as 40.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 8A, a cabinet 50 is
shown mounted on a slotwall panel 10. Cabinet 50 can be provided
with another embodiment of hanger brackets mounted to one wall of
cabinet 50. Cabinet brackets 30 can extend generally the full width
of cabinet 50. Alternately, cabinet brackets 30 can extend less
than the full width of cabinet 50 and multiple cabinet brackets 30
can be installed across the width of cabinet 50. Cabinet bracket 30
can include a support portion 31 for mounting the cabinet bracket
30 to a cabinet 50. A generally "J" shaped hook 32 can be provided
on one edge of support portion 31. Another generally "J" shaped
hook 33 can be provided on an opposite edge of support portion 31.
Generally "J" shaped hook 32 can include a first leg 34 extending
generally perpendicular to support portion 31 and a second leg 35
extending from the distal end of first leg 34 generally parallel to
support portion 31. Generally "J" shaped hook 33 can include a
first leg 36 extending generally perpendicular to support portion
31 and a second leg 37 extending from the distal end of first leg
36 generally parallel to support 31 and in the same direction as
second leg 35. Cabinet brackets 30 can be dimensioned so that a
cabinet bracket can be mounted to a slotwall panel without tipping
the cabinet bracket 30. In order to mount a cabinet bracket without
tipping the cabinet bracket 30, the length of second legs 35 and 37
should be less than width b the opening of "T" slots 11 in FIG. 4A.
Similarly, the spacing of generally "J" shaped hooks 32 and 33
should correspond to center to center dimension a of the generally
"T" shaped slots in FIG. 4.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 8, the dimensions of one embodiment of a
cabinet hanger bracket 30 adapted for use with a slotwall panel, as
shown in FIG. 4 through FIG. 4F, can be as provided in the
following table. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the following dimensions are approximate and that cabinet
brackets having different dimensions can be provided in accordance
with the invention as desired for use with slotwall panels having
different dimensions.
3 Description Reference Dimension (mm) Distance from "J" hook 32 to
"J" hook 33 A' 75.2 Inside length of leg 34 and 36 B' 8.5 Inside
length of leg 35 and 37 C' 6
[0067] Cabinet brackets 30 can be formed of metal. Cabinet bracket
30, as shown in FIG. 8, can be formed of extruded aluminum cut to
lengths corresponding to the width of the cabinet or device to
which the particular cabinet bracket will be attached.
[0068] As with the case of hanger bracket 20, cabinet bracket 30
can have a dimension A' from the inside of generally "J" shaped
hook 32 to the inside of generally "J" shaped hook 33 that is
slightly less than the center to center dimension a of the slotwall
panel in FIG. 4. When dimension A' is slightly less than the center
to center dimension a of slotwall panel, the load on cabinet
bracket 30 produced by cabinet 50 will be on generally "J" shaped
hook 32 and first leg 34 engaging edge 13 of generally "T" shaped
slat 12. Because generally "J" shaped hook 32 engages an edge 13 of
a generally "T" shaped slat 12 before generally "J" shaped hook 33,
cabinet bracket 30 is held parallel to slotwall panel 10 and does
not tip out at the top.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the operation of cabinet
brackets 30 can be seen. As the load on cabinet bracket 30 is
increased by the load placed in cabinet 50, the edge 13 of slat 12
under generally "J" shaped hook 32 deforms allowing generally "J"
shaped hook 33 to engage edge 13 of adjacent slat 12 thus
increasing support for the cabinet bracket. Thus, cabinet brackets
30 initially transfer the load of cabinet 50 through generally "J"
shaped hook 32 to the slotwall panel 10 by engagement of leg 34
with edge 13 of a generally "T" shaped slat 12. Generally "J"
shaped hook 33 only engages the lower adjacent generally "T" shaped
slat 12 when the load in cabinet 50 is sufficient to deform edge 13
of slat 12 on which leg 34 is resting.
[0070] Referring again to FIG. 8A, FIG. 11, FIG. 11A and FIG. 12 a
plurality of square holes 39 can be provided in cabinet bracket 30
for mounting cabinet bracket 30 to cabinet 50. Cabinet 50 can be
provided with a plurality of mounting holes 51 adjacent the top of
cabinet 50 for a top cabinet bracket spaced to correspond to the
spacing of mounting holes 39 in cabinet bracket 30. Mounting holes
51 can be round to permit mounting of a top cabinet bracket 30 in a
fixed position adjacent the top of cabinet 50. One or more
additional rows of mounting holes 52 can be provided below mounting
holes 51 to allow mounting of one or more lower cabinet brackets
30. Mounting holes 52 can be vertically elongated slots to permit
vertical adjustment of the lower cabinet brackets to insure that
each cabinet bracket upper generally "J" shaped hook 32 engages a
slat edge 13.
[0071] In order to install a cabinet 50 on a slotwall panel, a top
cabinet bracket can be attached to cabinet 50 utilizing a plurality
of mounting bolts 55 inserted with the head in cabinet bracket 30
and the threaded portion projecting through mounting holes 51 into
cabinet 50. Mounting bolts can be a carriage bolt or similar
fastening device that can be tightened without access to the head.
Suitable fasteners, not shown, can be threaded on mounting bolts 55
and tightened to secure top cabinet bracket 30 to cabinet 50. Next,
one or more lower cabinet brackets can be attached to cabinet 50
utilizing a plurality of mounting bolts 55 inserted with the head
in cabinet bracket 30 and the threaded portion projecting through
vertical slot mounting holes 52 into cabinet 50. Suitable
fasteners, not shown can be threaded on mounting bolts 55 and left
loose to permit adjustment of the position of the one or more
cabinet brackets 30 on cabinet 50 relative to the slotwall panel
10. Cabinet 50 can then be mounted on slotwall panels that have
been mounted or attached to a wall structure. The top cabinet
bracket 30 is first hooked on a selected slotwall panel slat 12
with leg 34 engaging a slat edge 13. Next, the lower cabinet
bracket or brackets 30 are vertically adjusted so that each
generally "J" shaped hook 32 engages a slotwall panel slat 12 with
leg 34 engaging a slat edge 13. After the one or more lower cabinet
brackets 30 are all positioned hooked over a slotwall panel slat 12
with leg 34 engaging a slat edge 13 the fasteners can be tightened
securing the one or more cabinet brackets to the cabinet 50. As
mentioned above, the vertically elongated mounting holes provide
sufficient vertical adjustment to allow multiple cabinet brackets
to be employed for mounting a cabinet to a plurality of slotwall
panels 10 with each cabinet bracket transferring load from the
cabinet 50 to the slotwall panel to spread the load in cabinet 50
across multiple slotwall panels 10 and slats 12.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 13, hanger brackets 20 can be combined to
support plural mounting hooks 40'. FIG. 13 also illustrates yard
tools carried on the mounting hooks on a slotwall storage system
occupying a section of a wall. As shown in FIG. 13, slotwall panels
10 can be fastened to a wall using a plurality of fasteners such as
screws 29. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of
screws 29 are fastened through the slotwall panels 10 in each slot
11 spaced apart by the distance between underlying studs or wall
support structures. Those skilled in the art will understand that
fasteners 29 can be used in alternate generally "T" shaped slots
11, or other patterns as desired depending on the anticipated
loading on the slotwall panels 10. Likewise, fasteners 29 could be
driven into alternate studs or wall supports. The specific mounting
hooks shown and the yard tools carried are only examples to show
how the slotwall storage system can be used. Those skilled in the
art will understand that many other hooks or storage devices could
be attached to one or more hanger brackets to store any desired
objects. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, two hanger brackets can be
connected with a pair of connecting rods 41 to which three mounting
hooks 40' are attached. The connecting rods can be welded to hanger
brackets 20 and mounting hooks 40' can be welded to connecting rods
41. The combined mounting hook device can be mounted on a slotwall
panel 10 in the same manner as a single hanger bracket as described
above. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the combined
mounting hook device shown in the embodiment of FIG. 13 is only one
possible arrangement of multiple mounting hooks and that more or
less than three mounting hooks could be attached to two or more
connected hanger brackets.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 14, a cabinet bracket 30 can be attached
to a shelf 42 to support shelf 42 on slotwall panels 10. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a cabinet bracket 30 can be attached
to shelf 42 using threaded fasteners as used in connection with the
cabinet as described above, or permanently attached to shelf 42 by
welding. Shelf 42 can be mounted on slotwall panel 10 by inserting
"J" shaped hooks 32 and 33 into adjoining slots 11 and sliding
shelf 42 and cabinet bracket 30 down over adjoining slat edges
13.
[0074] As one of skill in the art should recognize, hanger brackets
20 can be combined to support a basket (not shown) on slotwall
panels 10. In the embodiment, two hanger brackets 20 can be
attached to a basket by welding or by any other known connection
means. The basket can be mounted on a slotwall panel in the same
manner as a single hanger bracket as described above in detail.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, another embodiment of a
slotwall panel 10' is shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 15 and FIG.
16, repeating ruler markings 45 and 46 can be provided on the
bottom wall 15 of generally "T" shaped slot 11 on either side of
groove 19'. Ruler markings 45 can be repeating 1-16 inch marks
while ruler markings 46 can be repeating 1-24 inch marks. Repeating
ruler markings can facilitate mounting of slotwall panels on
conventional stud wall construction. Once a stud is located for a
mounting screw 29, adjacent screws can be inserted at the same
number in the repeating sequence as the first screw since most stud
walls are built on 16 inch or 24 inch centers. The provision of the
repeating markings eliminates the need to measure and mark the
location of subsequent studs for mounting screws once the first
mounting screw 29 is driven into a stud. As shown in FIG. 16, the
repeating markings can be provided in alternate generally "T"
shaped slots 11. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other
patterns of repeating markings could be used such as in one
generally "T" shaped slot per slotwall panel 10.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 17, another embodiment of slotwall panel
is shown. The slotwall panel 10" can be fabricated of metal such as
extruded aluminum. The slotwall panel 10" of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 17 can have dimensions a", b" and d" corresponding to the
same dimensions in slotwall panel 10 as shown in FIG. 4. The
slotwall panel 10" can support hanger brackets 20 and cabinet
brackets 30 in the same manner as described above even though the
thickness e" of slat 12" is less than the thickness e of slat 12.
As shown in FIG. 17 a groove 49 can be provided in the center of
slat 12". The provision of a slat groove 49 will make the
appearance of slats 12" the same as a joint between adjoining
slotwall panels 10" where adjoining half slats 16" meet. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that a groove 49 can be provided
in slat 12 of the embodiment of the slotwall panel 10 shown in FIG.
4-FIG. 4E to provide the same function as in the embodiment of FIG.
17.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 18 and FIG. 18A, other embodiments of the
slotwall panel are shown. In FIG. 18, slotwall panel 10"' can have
a connecting rib 17' and connecting groove 18' that are offset
toward half slat 16"' instead of offset toward the opposite surface
of the slotwall panel as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4-FIG. 4E.
In FIG. 18A, slotwall panel 10"" can have a connecting rib 17" and
connecting groove 18" that are centered in slotwall panel 10"".
Those skilled in the art will understand that the connecting rib
and connecting groove can have a configuration other than as shown
in FIG. 4-FIG. 4E and FIG. 18 and FIG. 18A. Such other rib and
connecting groove configurations could include semicircular,
triangular, trapezoidal or other shapes. The rib and connecting
groove configuration could also be interlocking with one panel
hooking into and interlocking with an adjacent panel.
[0078] The material used to form slotwall panels 10 can be extruded
foamed CPVC/PVC material as disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/747,421 mentioned above. Alternately,
slotwall panels can be extruded of foamed PVC material as is known
in the art. Slotwall panels can also be formed of wood panels by
removing material to form the generally "T" shaped slots which in
turn form the generally "T" shaped slats. Particle board material
could be used to form the slotwall panels instead of wood or
extruded foamed PVC material. Particle board slotwall panels could
be formed by removing material to form generally "T" shaped slots.
Alternately, particle board slotwall panels could be formed by
attaching generally "T" shaped slats to a particle board. Plywood
slotwall panels could be formed by removing material to form
generally "T" shaped slots or by attaching generally "T" shaped
slats as in the case of particle board.
[0079] FIGS. 19-27 illustrate a modular workbench storage system
according to the invention that provides a heavy duty workbench and
storage space for one or more modules that can dock underneath the
workbench to minimize the area of the consumed in the room and
thereby maximize the useful area of the workroom. When combined
with the slotwall storage system and wall-mounted storage cabinet
previously described, the workbench storage system provides the
operator of a workroom with a highly flexible and very
space-efficient storage system.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 19, a modular workbench system according
to the invention is shown. Workbench 110 can include a leg assembly
111 at each end of the workbench and a top 130. Top 130 can be
laminated hard wood or other sturdy, durable material as is well
known in the art. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, top 130 can
be 13/4 inches thick laminated hard wood maple strips that run
lengthwise in top 130 to provide a strong heavy-duty work surface.
The workbench 110 shown in FIG. 19 can be 8 feet long, 38 inches
high and 25 inches deep to provide ample work surface and storage
area for up to three modules. Those skilled in the art will
understand that the length of the workbench can be longer or
shorter as desired to provide space for docking two modules or more
than the three modules, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 19. For
example, the workbench could be made 6 feet long and provide
storage space for two modules. Likewise the height and width of the
workbench can be adjusted as desired. The modules can include a
drawer module 140, a storage cabinet module 150 and a refrigerator
module 160. Refrigerator module 160 can be a low ambient
temperature refrigerator as disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/744,556 and incorporated by reference.
Those skilled in the art will understand that other modules can be
provided as desired. In addition, less than three modules can be
provided for use with workbench 110 and more than one of a
particular module can be used with workbench 110 as desired by the
user.
[0081] The modules can be provided with heavy duty casters, as
described in detail below, to facilitate movement for docking
underneath the workbench 110, rearrangement of the modules
underneath the workbench, or to facilitate positioning away from
the workbench for cleaning under the workbench or for use as a
mobile work surface. Referring FIG. 20, one of the modules, storage
cabinet module 150, is shown withdrawn from under the workbench for
use as a mobile work surface. While storage cabinet module 150 is
shown withdrawn those skilled in the art will recognize that any or
all of the modules can be so withdrawn for use as a mobile work
surface or positioned elsewhere as a remote storage module.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 21, the workbench 110 is shown with top
130 removed and spaced from the leg assemblies 111 and stringer
115. Each leg assembly 111 can include two legs 112, a bottom
spacer 113 and a top plate 114. Leg assembly 111 can be fabricated
of metal such as steel, and welded together. Each of the legs 112
and bottom spacer 113 can be square tubes that can be approximately
3 inches square. Top plate 114 can be wider than legs 112 to
provide a mounting flange on each side of leg assembly 111. Each
top plate 114 can have a plurality of elongated mounting holes 126
provided in two rows on either side of legs 112. As shown in FIG.
21, there can be 8 elongated mounting holes 126 in top plate 114,
four being adjacent each leg 112. As those skilled in the art will
understand, less than 8 elongated mounting holes 126 can be
provided in top plate 114, and plate 114 could be substantially the
same width as legs 112 with elongated holes 126 positioned between
legs 112. Mounting holes 126 can be eliminated altogether and
stringer 115 can be used to attach workbench top 130 to the leg and
stringer assembly 128 as described below. If mounting holes 126 are
eliminated from plates 114, some alternate fastener can be used in
the vicinity of the front leg 112 of each leg assembly 111 to
prevent top 130 from lifting off the leg assemblies during use as
will be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0083] Leg assemblies 111 can be connected with stringer 115 that
can be a metal plate extending from one rear leg to the opposite
rear leg. Stringer 115 can include a vertical plate 116 that can be
attached to legs 112 to form a leg and stringer assembly 128
including a pair of leg assemblies 111 and a stringer 115. Stringer
115 can also include a mounting flange 117 that can be formed on
the top edge of stringer 115. In the embodiment of FIG. 21,
vertical plate 116 can be 6 inches wide and mounting flange 117 can
be 1 inch wide. Stringer 115 can be attached to leg assemblies 111
with a plurality of mounting bolts 118 and washers 118' to the rear
surface of rear legs 112 as is well known to those skilled in the
art. While flat washers 118' are shown, those skilled in the art
will understand that lock washers could be used instead of, or in
addition to flat washers 118'. Mounting bolts 118 can be threadably
attached to legs 112 by weld nuts 124 attached to rear legs 112.
Stringer 115 can have a plurality of vents 127 formed in vertical
plate 116 to prevent build up of heat under workbench 110 as
discussed in more detail below. Vent 127 can comprise a plurality
of vertical slots 129 adjacent the upper edge of vertical plate
116. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, there can be 3 vents
spaced across stringer 115 each having a plurality of slots 129. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 21 there can be 25 slots
129 in each vent 127 and the slots 129 can be 2 inches long and 1/4
inch wide with alternate slots 129 offset by 1/2 inch. While
stringer 115 is shown in this embodiment as a separate component
from leg assemblies 111 to facilitate shipping, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the stringer 115 could
be permanently attached to leg assemblies 111 as by welding.
Stringer 115 can be fabricated of metal such as steel. Leg
assemblies 111 and stringer 115 can be finished as desired such as
by painting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the
dimensions of the stringer and vents can be adjusted as
desired.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 21 and FIG. 23, each leg 112 can have a
bottom wall 120 that can be welded into the bottom end of leg 112.
Bottom wall 120 can have a threaded fastener such as a tee nut 121
welded in the center of bottom wall 120. A leveling foot 119 can be
provided for each leg 112 that can include a threaded portion 122
fastened to foot 119 and adapted to be threaded into tee nut 121 in
bottom wall 120. The top portion 122' of threaded portion 122 can
be provided without threads to prevent threaded portion 122 from
backing all the way out of tee nut 121 such as when workbench 110
is being moved across the floor. Providing the top portion 122'
without threads can also facilitate assembly, in that one corner of
the workbench can be lifted and a leveling foot 119 inserted into
tee nut 121 without having to start the threads on threaded portion
122 upon insertion of threaded portion 122 into tee nut 121.
Leveling foot 119 can have a pad 123 on the bottom surface to
provide a non-slip surface on leveling foot 119. Pad 123 can be
nylon or rubber or other material as will is well known to those
skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will understand that
another form of leveling mechanism for some or all of the legs 112
could be provided as desired, or that a leveling mechanism could be
omitted.
[0085] Elongated mounting holes 126 in top plate 114 and mounting
holes 125 in mounting flange 117 can receive a plurality of
fasteners 131 for attaching top 130 to the leg and stringer
assembly 128. Fasteners 131 can be lag screws and pilot holes (not
shown) can be pre-drilled in top 130 to facilitate locating and
attaching top 130 to leg and stringer assembly 128. Mounting holes
126 are elongated in the plane of leg assembly 111 to allow for
expansion and contraction of top 130 over the range of humidity
conditions likely to be encountered in a non-climate controlled
environment such as a basement, a garage or other outdoor work
area. Thus, elongated mounting holes 126 are positioned to allow
the width of the laminated hard wood maple top to expand and
contract with changes in humidity. Mounting holes 125 in mounting
flange 117 can be circular since laminated hard wood maple top 130
is unlikely to expand and contract along the direction of the
laminated wood strips. In addition, use of round mounting holes 125
in mounting flange 117 can provide a sturdy workbench since the leg
and stringer assembly can not shift under top 130 as the fasteners
131 can lock top 130 to the leg and stringer assembly 128. Those
skilled in the art will understand that if top 130 is formed of
strips of hard wood that run from front to back instead of side to
side that mounting holes 126 could be round and mounting holes 125
elongated along the length of stringer 115 to allow for expansion
and contraction in that direction.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 22, FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B, a schematic
power strip 170 is shown mounted to a workbench top 130. A
plurality of T-brackets 133 can be provided to lock power strip 170
in position on workbench 110. Each T-bracket 133 can be attached to
the rear edge 132 of top 130 by fasteners such as conventional lag
screws, not shown. T-bracket 133 can include a mounting portion 134
having a mounting hole 135 through which a mounting screw can be
driven into rear edge 132 of top 130. Above mounting portion 134
there is an enlarged support portion 136 that can overlie rear
panels 176 and 178 to hold power strip firmly on workbench top 130.
Rear panels 176 and 178 can have slots 171 formed in the lower end
of the rear panels to slide down over mounting portions 134 of
T-brackets 133. Mounting portion 134 is thicker than support
portion 136 by offset 137 which provides sufficient space for rear
panels 176 and 178 of power strip sections 172 and 174 to be slid
down between the rear edge 132 of workbench top 130 and support
portions 136. The slots 171 in rear panels 176 and 178 can be
dimensioned to snuggly fit over mounting portions 134 to hold the
power strip 170 in place when installed on a workbench top 130.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that power strip sections
172 and 174 could be mounted to workbench top 130 in other ways
than as disclosed in FIG. 22-FIG. 22B.
[0087] Power strip 170 can be provided in two sections 172 and 174
that extend approximately the full width of top 130. While the
embodiment of FIG. 22 and FIG. 22A has power strip 170 in two
sections, those skilled in the art will recognize that the power
strip could be provided in a single piece, and that power strip 170
could extend less than the full width of top 130. Power strip
sections 172 and 174 can be joined by a connecting plate 173
attached to the rear panels 176 and 178 of power strip sections 172
and 174. A suitable electrical connector can be provided to
electrically connect power strip sections 172 and 174 at the
respective ends of power strip sections 172 and 174, not shown, and
covered by connecting plate 173. A suitable power cord 175 can be
provided at the rear panel 176 of section 172 to connect the power
strip 170 to a power source, not shown. A suitable strain relief
can be provided to mount power cord 175 to rear panel 176 as is
well known to those skilled in the art. Power cord 175 can be
provided in any desired length to readily connect power strip 170
to a power source. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, power cord
175 can be twenty feet long. A plurality of electrical outlets 184
can be provided on the front panels 180 and 182 of power strip
sections 172 and 174. Electrical outlets 185 can be provided on
rear panels 176 and 178 to provide a power source for a
refrigerator module 160, a light fixture for workbench 110, not
shown, or other electrically operated device that is not used on
the workbench top 130. The electrical outlets 184, 185, can be
commercially available panel outlets consisting of a terminal block
and a cover that can be snapped into cutouts in the front and rear
panels. In addition, a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
outlet 186 can be provided on front panel 180 through which the
other outlets 184 and 185 can be connected. GFCI outlet 186 can be
provided with an on/off switch 187 and test and reset buttons as is
well known in the art. After electrical outlets 184, 185 and GFCI
outlet 186 are installed in the front and rear panels, the outlets
can be connected by electrical wire to a power cord 175 as is well
known to those skilled in the art. While a GFCI outlet is shown in
the embodiment of FIG. 22 and FIG. 22A, GFCI outlet 187 could be
replaced with an on/off switch, an overload protector or a surge
protector or any combination thereof as is well known to those
skilled in the art.
[0088] The power strip housing including front panels 180 and 182
and rear panels 176 and 178 can be can be formed of metal and
painted as other metal parts of the modular workbench 110, although
those skilled in the art will understand that a plastic housing
could be used. After installation of the electrical outlets and
connecting the electrical outlets and power cord, the power strip
housing can be assembled using threaded fasteners as is well known
to those skilled in the art.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, a drawer module 140 is
shown. Drawer module 140 can have a plurality of drawers 141 each
mounted on tracks for easy access as are well known to those
skilled in the art. The face of each drawer 141 can have an
ornamental treadplate pattern surface that is the subject of design
patent D505,237. Drawer module 140 can have a cabinet 142 having a
raised top edge 143 that forms a work surface 144 and also can form
a frame for an optional hardwood work surface 145 that can be sized
to fit tightly inside raised top edge 143. Drawer module 140 can
have a pair of fixed casters 147 mounted at the front of module 140
that are aligned with the sides of cabinet 142 to facilitate
rolling drawer module 140 under and out from underneath workbench
110. Drawer module 140 can also have a pair of swivel casters 148
mounted at the rear of drawer module 140 to facilitate movement of
drawer module 140 to any desired location. Casters 147 and 148 are
large heavy-duty casters to provide a sturdy, stable module that
can be used as a portable work surface. Casters 147 and 148 are
also sized so that the height of drawer module 140 with casters
installed is approximately the same height as the other modules
(even though the cabinet height of other modules may differ) and so
that drawer module 140 fits easily under workbench 110. Drawer
module 140 can have side handles 146 in the side walls of cabinet
142 to facilitate moving drawer module 140. Side handles 146 allow
a user to grasp both sides of cabinet 142 to position drawer module
140 as desired on casters 147 and 148. Drawer module 140 can also
have a bumper 149 on the lower sidewalls of cabinet 142 that wraps
around the front and rear corners of cabinet 142. Bumper 149
prevents adjoining modules from striking one another when being
moved into and out of docking underneath workbench 110, or from
striking other objects and damaging or scratching the cabinet
walls. Bumper 149 can be fabricated of vinyl, other plastic
material, or a mixture of plastic and rubber material, or other
suitable bumper material as is well known to those skilled in the
art. Bumper 149 can be attached to drawer module 140 using screws
or other suitable fasteners. Fixed casters 147 can be locking
casters, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, to
facilitate use as a mobile work surface or to maintain drawer
module 140 in position under workbench 110.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 26, a storage cabinet module 150 is shown.
Storage cabinet module 150 can have a pair of doors 151 hinged to
the front edge of cabinet 152. Doors 151 can have an ornamental
treadplate pattern surface that is the subject of design patent
D503,839. Storage cabinet module 150 can have a cabinet 152 having
a raised top edge 153 that forms a work surface, not shown covered
by hard wood work surface 155, and also can form a frame for an
optional hardwood work surface 155 that can be sized to fit tightly
inside raised top edge 153. Storage cabinet module 150 can have a
pair of fixed casters 157 mounted at the front of storage cabinet
module 150 that are aligned with the sides of cabinet 152 to
facilitate rolling storage cabinet module 150 under and out from
underneath workbench 110. Storage cabinet module 150 can also have
a pair of swivel casters 158 mounted at the rear of storage cabinet
module 150 to facilitate movement of storage cabinet module 150 to
any desired location. Casters 157 and 158 are large heavy-duty
casters to provide a sturdy stable module that can be used as a
portable work surface. Casters 157 and 158 are also sized so that
the height of storage cabinet module 150 with casters installed is
approximately the same height as the other modules (even though the
cabinet height of other modules may differ) and so that module 150
fits easily under workbench 110. Storage cabinet module 150 can
have side handles 156 in the side walls of cabinet 152 to
facilitate moving storage cabinet module 150. Side handles 156
allow a user to grasp both sides of cabinet 152 to position storage
cabinet module 150 as desired on casters 157 and 158. Storage
cabinet module 150 can also have a bumper 159 on the lower
sidewalls of cabinet 152 that wraps around the front and rear
corners of cabinet 152. Bumper 159 prevents adjoining modules from
striking one another when being moved into and out of docking
underneath workbench 110, or from striking other objects and
damaging or scratching the cabinet walls. Bumper 159 can be
fabricated of vinyl, other plastic material, or a mixture of
plastic and rubber material, or other suitable bumper material as
is well known to those skilled in the art. Bumper 159 can be
mounted to module 150 using screws or other fasteners as desired.
Fixed casters 157 can be locking casters, as shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 26, to facilitate use as a mobile work surface
or to maintain storage cabinet module 150 in position under
workbench 110.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 27, a refrigerator module 160 is shown. As
mentioned above, refrigerator module 160 can be a low ambient
temperature refrigerator as disclosed in co-pending patent
application Ser. No. 10/744,556, which is incorporated by
reference. Refrigerator module 160 can have a cabinet 162 having a
hinged door 161 mounted on the front of cabinet 162. Door 161 can
have an ornamental treadplate pattern surface that is the subject
matter of design patent D497,921. Refrigerator module 160 can have
a top tray 163 and a bottom tray 164 that are attached to the top
and bottom of cabinet 162. Top tray 163 can form a work surface,
not shown, and also a frame for an option hardwood work surface 165
that can be sized to fit tightly inside top tray 163. Top tray 163
can have a vent, not shown, in the rear edge of tray 163 to
facilitate cooling of a condenser, not shown, mounted on the rear
wall of cabinet 162 as disclosed in the above identified co-pending
patent application Ser. No. 10/744,556, and incorporated by
reference. The optional hardwood work surface can be sized to
assure that the vent is not covered when a hardwood work surface is
installed. Top tray 163 and bottom tray 164 can extend beyond the
rear surface of cabinet 162 to protect the static condenser.
Refrigerator module 160 can have a pair of fixed casters 167
mounted at the front of refrigerator module 160 that are aligned
with the sides of cabinet 162 to facilitate rolling refrigerator
module 160 under and out from underneath workbench 110.
Refrigerator module 160 can also have a pair of swivel casters 168
mounted at the rear of refrigerator module 160 to facilitate
movement of refrigerator module 160 to any desired location.
Casters 167 and 168 are heavy-duty casters to provide a sturdy
stable module that can be used as a portable work surface. Casters
167 and 168 are also sized so that the height of refrigerator
module 160 with casters installed is approximately the same height
as the other modules (even though the cabinet height of other
modules may differ) and so that refrigerator module 160 fits easily
under workbench 110. Module 160 can also have a bumper 169 on the
lower sidewalls of cabinet 162. Bumper 169 prevents adjoining
modules from striking one another when being moved into and out of
docking underneath workbench 110, or from striking other objects
and damaging or scratching the cabinet walls. Bumper 169 can be
fabricated of vinyl, other plastic material, or a mixture of
plastic and rubber material, or other suitable bumper material as
is well known to those skilled in the art. Bumper 169 can be
mounted to module 160 using screws or other fasteners as desired.
Fixed casters 167 can be locking casters, as shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 27, to facilitate use as a mobile work surface
or to maintain refrigerator module 160 in position under workbench
110.
[0092] Each of modules 140, 150 and 160 can be sized and provided
with casters such that each of the modules fits easily under
workbench 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, there can be
approximately 1 and 1/2 inches clearance between the top of the
modules with an optional hardwood work surface in place and the
underneath side of top 130. While the modules disclosed in the
embodiment of FIG. 19, FIG. 24, FIG. 25, FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are
approximately the same height when provided with casters as
discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
height of modules, with casters installed, could be substantially
identical, or could be designed to differ in height as desired. The
clearance space between the tops of modules 140, 150 and 160
coupled with vents 127 in stringer 115 provides adequate
ventilation under workbench 110 when a refrigerator module 160 is
in use and the condenser (not shown) is releasing heat under
workbench 110. Those skilled in the art will recognize that vents
127 and/or the clearance space above modules 140, 150 and 160 can
be changed as desired to provide more or less ventilation under
workbench 110. Vents 127 can be located on stringer 115 to be
centered with respect to each module, in embodiment of FIG. 19 and
FIG. 21 three modules. Those skilled in the art will understand
that if workbench 110 is modified to provide for docking of two or
more that three modules the number of vents 127 in stringer 115 can
be modified to correspond to the number of modules that can be
docked under workbench 110.
[0093] While the invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be
construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.
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